Written by: R2K

This evening (9/9/02), Kogarah Council endorsed the lodgement of the Jubilee Oval grant application. The application is for a $400,000 grant under the Regional Sports Facility Program with the Department of Sport & Recreation. 

Kogarah Council recognised the commitment of the St.George Leagues Club in guaranteeing the matching funds. Kogarah Council also endorsed action to commence the Public Fundraising Appeal to bring the Dragons back to Kogarah Oval, and allocated $20,000 from unrestricted working funds towards the Events/Sponsorship Co-ordinator position.

As tipped by R2K following the previous Council meeting, Councillor Gainsford* was the only Councillor to vote against the lodgement of the grant application. 

In his Late Mayoral Report, Councillor Taylor stated :

"Kogarah Council has to continue to demonstrate leadership within the St.George Region. Clearly, the St.George-Illawarra Dragons are the most significant and recognisable cultural and sporting identity in the area, and it is imperative that Council play its role in assisting their return."

The following was also reported at the meeting :

Hurstville City Council discussed the Jubilee funding issue at the Council meeting on 4 September but deferred the matter. Hurstville City Council is yet to make any financial commitment to the upgrading or renewal of Kogarah Jubilee to support the return of the Dragons to Kogarah at this time.

Rockdale City Council considered the Jubilee funding issue via a Mayoral Minute dated 28 August 2002. The Mayoral Minute indicated that Rockdale City Council would consider the matter in conjunction with the 2003/2004 budget estimates. The resolution adopted by Council supported the appointment of the part-time Events Manager ($7,000) to coordinate activities relating to the return of the Dragons to Kogarah. No financial commitment to the upgrading or renewal of Kogarah Jubilee has been made at this time.

St.George Leagues Club have forwarded a letter** to Kogarah Council confirming they will guarantee the $400,000 necessary to match the dollar for dollar grant application to the State Government. The Leagues Club has made an initial commitment of $50,000 and has also agreed to support any Public Fundraising activity organised by Council.

As Kogarah Council have endorsed the grant application, the "Bring The Dragons Back To Kogarah Jubilee Oval Appeal" will commence immediately. An application has been lodged with the Department of Gaming & Racing for a Licence to establish the Public Fundraising appeal. The St.George Bank have been approached to "have an account established that would enable donations from the community to be deposited in any St.George Bank branch, for duration of the appeal." 

The St.George Leader have advised that they will assist Kogarah Council in promoting the appeal and all funds raised will be held in trust and used to upgrade Kogarah Jubilee Oval. 

In relation to the appeal, Councillor Taylor added :

"This is a great opportunity for all supporters of the Dragons to demonstrate their support in bringing the Dragons back home. This will need to be a team effort with Kogarah Council, St.George-Illawarra Football Club***, St.George Leagues Club, State Government, Local Business and the St.George Community and grass roots supporters from all over Australia, working towards the goal of raising the funds to bring the Dragons back."
 

* A profile of Councillor Gainsford and her Kogarah Council priority issues can be found at :

http://www.kogarah.nsw.gov.au/site/YourMayor/westward.cfm

** The Kogarah Mayor sought clarification in regard to point 2 of the Leagues Club letter. ("St.George Leagues Club to contribute $50,000 towards the costs of $400,000 with the remaining $350,000 to be supplied by Council or Councils over a suitable period of time.") 

Councillor Taylor wrote, "With no financial commitment from Hurstville and Rockdale Councils, Kogarah Council will need to discuss and clarify how any shortfall between the Public Fundraising 
effort and the amount needed to match the grant application is finally determined. The St.George Leagues Club has agreed to have further discussions on this matter and do not see this as an impediment to supporting Kogarah's application."

*** The St.George-Illawarra website has been updated with audio from the media launch where the Dragons announced the return to Kogarah. 
This can be found at the following link:

http://www.dragons.com.au/s2001/sights_sound/2002_audio_video.asp

For information on home ground issues and the search for a St George home ground - click here

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